Tomasi and Gleason clear the decks in this issue, as the Green Lanterns begin to realize just how messy the decks truly are. The War of Light has left Oa -- and the Corps -- a shambles that needs to be dusted off, have the dents pounded out, and given a fresh coat of paint.
This issue doesn't offer a foe for the Lanterns to punch in the face, but they find a few, anyway. There are more than a few scenes that just feel right. Kilowog's decision is liberating and full of promise. Arisia is filled with vim and vigor, and the blossoming romance between Natu and Rayner is given a chance to grow once more. Tomasi and Gleason deliver this all with purpose, flair, and feeling, making this issue feel much more impactful than a wrap-up issue.
Mogo, Morro, Salaak, Arisia, Isamot Kol, Vath Sarn, Soranik Natu, Iolande, Stel, Kyle Rayner, Guy Gardner, and Kilowog -- Tomasi gives Gleason a chance to say good-bye to them all, but he also gives us a chance to remember them all. Guy, Kyle, and Arisia have words with the Guardians. Kilowog makes a Corps-changing decision. Salaak takes a stand. All do so in character and in the best interest of making Green Lantern stories to come as interesting as possible.
Gleason, as always, turns in masterful work. His presence on Oa and within the sectors patrolled by the Corps will surely be missed, but he leaves a legacy of Lanterns for the next artist to fill with life. Unfortunately, Gleason's swansong on this title was belabored by a phalanx of inkers - all very capable, but all also very disparate in style and line. The detailed inkwork in Kilowog's scene is gone when Arisia, Guy, and Kyle approach the Guardians. There are still many great scenes in this issue, from Mogo's dispersal of the rings to Vath's post-op awakening.
Randy Mayor continues to be the overseer of all things emerald, keeping the hues in check on this issue, and functioning as an integral piece of this creative team. Mayor's contribution may be easy to overlook, but when you think about it, where would a book about light be without a strong colorist?
This issue of "Green Lantern Corps" doesn't have the complications that the most recent issue of "Green Lantern" imposed upon my cohort, Greg McElhatton. This issue picks up the pieces and establishes the direction for its future. It also includes a spectacular double-page spread advertising "Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors," due out later this year. The Corps is stepping out of the wreckage, and the path to recovery looks like it's going to bring some entertaining reading our way.